Green Gown Awards – 2021 – 2030 Climate Action

Institutions are having to plan how they get to net-zero emissions. This category focuses on the steps that institutions are taking and planning to take to reach their targets. The judges are looking for innovative ideas and approaches that institutions are taking or planning. It is recognised that there will not be the normal evidence or impact available as this category is looking at current plans, with the focus being on intentions.

Carbon reduction and adaptation to the effects of climate change are essential for institutional resilience and business continuity – both executive-level issues for our institutions. Universities and colleges are exposed to significant climate risks and responsibilities to meet targets and institutions have to be taking bold steps to meet these targets while ensuring student outcomes and satisfaction are maintained.

The judges will be looking for:

• Innovative plans for achieving net-zero.
• Focus on achieving Scope 1 and 2 emissions initially with Scope 3 in the horizon.
• How do you know you are getting there? Outline what steps are being taken in the area of measurement and verification of impact of efforts on the progress towards net-zero.
• What steps are being taken on mitigation and adaptation?
• Actions that can be scalable and transferable to other institutions and across the sector.
• Plans and actions that are looking at the whole institution and holistic approach.
• Examples of using internal research and academic knowledge in helping advance actions.
• Examples of working in partnership within your local community and other stakeholders.

The aim of this category is to share the good efforts institutions are taking as well as learning from each other on areas that have not worked so well. Whilst the end results will not be available, judges will look at projected impacts.